Shoveling Snow & Soul Searching: Why Working Outdoors is Basically a Wellness Superpower

Okay, real talk: last week was a snowpocalypse in my neck of the woods. My driveway? A legit Everest. My snow shovel? My new arch-nemesis. Two, sometimes three times a day, I was out there, battling the elements. Initially, I was channeling my inner grumpy bear. But then…something weird happened. I started to enjoy it. (Yes, I know, I need to get out more.)

The crisp air, the quiet (except for the crunch, crunch, crunch of the shovel), the feeling of my muscles actually doing something other than typing – it was…refreshing. And it made me wonder, beyond the "I-guess-I'm-not-a-couch-potato" feeling, what actually happens to our brains and bodies when we work outside? Turns out, it’s not just a hippie-dippy notion; there’s legit science behind it.

Sun's Out, Stress Is Out (Mostly)

First up, that big yellow ball in the sky? It’s not just there to make your summer tan look good. Even on cloudy days (shoutout to my fellow Pacific Northwesterners!), sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D. And Vitamin D is basically the Beyonce of vitamins: it does EVERYTHING. Mood regulation? Check. Bone health? Check. Immune system? Check. Basically, it's like a tiny sunshine pill, and you get it for free (sort of, if you don't factor in the shoveling). But it’s not just the sun. Studies show that being in nature lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. Think of it as your brain hitting the “chill” button. Suddenly, that email from your boss? Not so terrifying. The looming deadline? Manageable. The world? Slightly less chaotic.

Happy Brain, Happy Life (And No, It’s Not Just the Fresh Air)

Fresh air is great, don’t get me wrong. But the real MVP here is serotonin, the “happy chemical.” Natural light and outdoor activity basically give your serotonin levels a high-five. This translates to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a general sense of “Hey, the world isn’t so bad after all.” Which, let’s be honest, we could all use a little more of.

Focus Like a Laser (Or, At Least, Less Like a Distracted Squirrel)

Ever feel like your brain is a browser with 50 tabs open? Yeah, me too. Working outdoors can help with that. The natural environment provides a welcome break from the constant distractions of indoor life. Think of it as a mental reset button. Suddenly, you can actually focus on that task you’ve been putting off for weeks.

Move It, Move It (Even If It’s Just Shoveling)

Okay, shoveling isn’t exactly a marathon. But it’s still movement. And movement is good. Even simple outdoor tasks like gardening or walking to grab coffee can contribute to your overall physical health. Plus, you get the added bonus of feeling like you’ve actually accomplished something other than scrolling through Instagram.

Nature: The OG Therapist

There’s a growing body of research showing that feeling connected to nature is crucial for our well-being. It’s not just about the physical benefits; it’s about feeling like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about grounding yourself in the present moment. It’s about remembering that, despite the chaos of modern life, there’s still beauty and wonder in the world.

So what's the takeaway? You don’t have to become a lumberjack to reap the benefits of working outdoors. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate nature into your day:

• Lunch break walk: Ditch the desk and grab some fresh air.

• Outdoor meetings: Weather permitting, take your team meetings outside.

• Work from a park: Find a spot with Wi-Fi and get your work done in nature.

• Open a window: Even a little fresh air can make a difference.

• Garden, even a small one: Plant some herbs or flowers on your balcony.

In a world that’s increasingly digital and indoor, it’s easy to forget the power of nature. But our bodies and minds are wired for it. So, go outside. Breathe. Move. Connect. Your well-being will thank you. And if you have to shovel, try to enjoy it... just a little.

Photo Credit: Nathan Wolfe via Unsplash